Ohio Politics Weekly...Flannery V Strickland

Bryan Flannery and Ted Strickland both answer three questions put to them, I found the differences in their answers, especially when it related to jobs to be very revealing.

Flannery answers specifically as to this region, Strickland gives general points and directs people to go to his website.

It's a recommended site to visit, there are other features that might interest you including online sources.

:-)

Teen arrested for creating false alarm...now what?

Local news channel WUPW is reporting the March 23rd abduction incident was false and that the girl who made the claim has been charged in Lucas County Juvenile Court on a count of making false alarms earlier today.

This was the third incident as reported by the Toledo Blade and other local media.

This week's edition of the Toledo Free Press has an article titled Experts offer tips for abduction prevention; still a valid concern because at this point the two other abduction attempts are believed to be true as well as the three Perrysburg incidents.

One does wonder though if it had been known that this third abduction attempt was false if the Mayor would have issued this release:

Beginning March 24, Toledo police and firefighters will team up in a citywide effort to patrol neighborhoods surrounding schools before and after classes. The extra precautions come in response to three attempted abductions of teenage girls that occurred in the past eight days. Composite sketches of two of the alleged perpetrators in those incidents have been disseminated throughout the city to public safety officials. Mayor Carty Finkbeiner urged anyone with information on any of the cases to contact Crimestoppers, police or his office.

At this point no word on if the increased patrols will continue.

Unemployment numbers for Lucas County improving

In the figures just released by ODJAF, our area has continued to show improved numbers since January and compared to February of last year. With the exception of Fulton County which made a .1% increase since January 06.

Lucas 221,000 (Labor Force) 205,300 (#Employed) 15,700 (#Unemployed) 7.1 (2/6) 7.6 (1/6) 8.0 (2/5)
Toledo 144,100 (Labor Force)133,200 (#Employed) 11,000 (#Unemployed) 7.6 (2/6) 8.1 (1/6) 8.7 (2/5)
Wood 66,000 (Labor Force) 62,200 (#Employed) 3,900 (#Unemployed) 5.8 (2/6) 5.9 (1/6) 6.6 (2/5)
Fulton 22,800 (Labor Force) 21,200 (#Employed) 1,600 (#Unemployed) 7.0 (2/6) 6.9 (1/6) 8.2 (2/5)

As to the rest of the state?

Among the state's 88 counties, the February 2006 unemployment rates ranged from a low of 3.8 percent in Delaware County to a high of 13.9 percent in Monroe County. Rates increased in more than half of the counties. The comparable rate for Ohio in February was 6.1 percent.

Nine counties had unemployment rates at or below 5.0 percent in February. The counties with the lowest rates, other than Delaware, were: Holmes and Mercer, 4.4; Warren, 4.7; Auglaize, 4.8; Hancock and Medina, 4.9; and Geauga and Shelby, 5.0 percent.

Nine counties had unemployment rates above 9.0 percent during February. The counties with the highest rates, other than Monroe, were: Pike, 11.0; Morgan, 10.7; Meigs, 10.5; Vinton, 9.9; Adams, 9.6; Huron, 9.5; and Ottawa and Perry, 9.4 percent.

Curtsy to Ohio 15th District Blog for the information.

Fort Industry Square and 18 parking places...

As I read the above linked Toledo Blade article, several questions immediately came to mind. This plan will create 18 parking spaces, now taking part of what was stated in the article:

The Mills family trust, owners of the block-long, 19th century Fort Industry Square brick structure across Summit from SeaGate Centre, has had trouble filling retail space for several years. Its biggest obstacle: no curbside parking in front of the development, which is 60 percent vacant.

"We're talking about adding curbside parking so we can market the building and concentrate on retail and resale shops, or where people can stop and get a quick bite to eat," said Matthew Mills, the building manager.

Without even getting into the financial aspect of what these Summit Street improvements would cost. Adding 18 parking spaces isn't going to dramatically improve desire to shop or to eat, except for perhaps 18 cars. Where are all the rest of them going to have to park? Where they currently have to park which according to Matthew Mills, parking alone wasn't the only reason they lost tenants.

Then, this next part made me think:

Left-turn lanes, originally created to get vehicles out of the flow of traffic while they wait to make turns across Summit, would be removed and replaced with raised medians with plants and greenery like that added recently to Cherry Street.

Wouldn't that make traffic even worse after a large downtown event? Sure, it will look pretty as you sit there and wait but creating more traffic flow problems especially when there is still talk about building an arena downtown just doesn't make sense, especially to only gain 18 parking spaces...

Murphy's Place Jazz is on the web, they are mentioned in the Toledo Blade article.

Test of Audioblogging

Lisa on her own blogger challenge...

I've written about my favorite place to eat on Toledo Talk but wanted to highlight that here. It is El Tipico Restaurant, 1444 South Ave in Toledo, Ohio. I have been going there since I was 8 or 9 years old, they have been in business for 38 years. Beyond the food always being excellent no matter what I select, and the fact they take such care with my one daughter who is a vegetarian it is a place of memories for me. Memories of my father because he's the one who used to take me there and it's the first restaurant that Miguel and I went to as a couple. The lack of a liquor license bothers some people, however that's never been an issue for us, infact it makes it even more of a family dining experience. I never miss a chance to enjoy their guacamole. Ironically, this week El Tipico is the featured restaurant in the Toledo City Paper. Eric Olsen does an excellent job in covering the many reasons why it's my favorite place.

I'd also point out when I first started this challenge I wasn't aware the County started a "Buy Local" emphasis almost a year ago...but it doesn't appear it went anywhere beyond the initial announcement.

Maybe this time it will, especially if we keep it going. All in all I'm glad I did this, I found some new places I want to try and once again confirmed that there are reasons why I love this area.

Unions "enraged" with Frank Szollosi

I watched this yesterday on 13 WTVG they don't have a hard copy of it only the video. So, since they don't keep the video up, I'm transcribing it here because I think some of what was said should be documented.

Lee Conklin: Close to a shouting match has really developed now, a true war of words between the Police and Fire unions and Toledo City Councilman

Susan Ross Wells: On Wednesday, Councilman Frank Szollosi told 13 ABC Action news that police and fire officials are abusing overtime with permission from Mayor Carty Finkbeiner. But the head of the Toledo Fire Fighters Union fired back demanding an apology from Szollosi.

Frank: So at this point Finkbeiner it would appear is giving them what they want more overtime and it's yet to be seen what kind of a wage increases that the administration will agree to.

Gregg Harris (identified under screen as President TPPA): Frank Szollosi before he opens his big mouth ought to check the facts.

Susan: Well that was Wednesday, today the Police Union continued firing in this war of words, 13 ABC news Bill Hormann is on top of the story. Bill?

Bill Hormann: Susan, Gregg Harris says Toledo Police and Fire members are enraged by Szolloi's comments. So today, the TPPA demanded that Szollosi say I'm sorry and step aside.

Frank: He came into this office and he expressed his displeasure at the tape you showed him.

Bill: Councilman Frank Szollosi admits that and TPPA President Gregg Harris had a short but intense meeting Wednesday regarding Szollosi's charge.

Gregg: I was very upset with his comments they were totally false and the comments that he made were totally inappropriate.

Bill: And after fuming for two days, Harris issued this press release demanding that Szollosi apologize for his remarks and then resign from City Council.

Gregg: I'm not shutting my mouth and I'm not being quiet until that man both apologizes and resigns.

Frank: It's a ridiculous notion to think that I would resign for asking tough questions about the public's money.

Bill: Szollosi says his real concern is the City's budget that he says he meant to take aim at how the Finkbeiner administration is handling overtime charges but recognizes his comments may have missed the mark.

Frank: If my remarks were inartful and were hurtful to the men and women of the fire department or the police department, I absolutely apologize for that because that was not my intent.

Gregg: I don't think he mispoke unless he is an extremely ignorant man, more ignorant than I assumed but he absolutely should not have made those statements and I have not heard an apology.

Bill: Well now he has, but Harris is continuing the fight.

Gregg: He needs to turn around and watch his butt walk out of town. I'm tired of his mouth.

Frank: I do encourage people to have a thick skin and to remain civil in our discourse about all of this.

Bill: Frank Szollosi is also quick to point out that he supports funding for better police and fire equipment and supports funding for more man hours even fought for proposed, fought against proposed layoffs but the unions are still upset with him right now and they say unless he resigns there is no cease fire in this war of words.

Lee: Alright, thanks Bill, and Frank Szollosi also points out if you look at the numbers that police over time is up 23% so far this year and fire up 69% in OT. He says that at the current rate the city will spend over 5 million dollars in over time for this year but the Finkbeiner administration has only budgeted 3.5 million dollars. Gregg Harris who you saw doesn't dispute the numbers but says they are justified. He claims the shortage of man power for big events like the Nazi rally for last year and the recent fires we've had in the City of Toledo.

What is obvious or at least should be obvious is Gregg Harris has a problem with Frank, and Frank has some issues with the Union Leadership as opposed to the union members as a whole. I'd also point out that costs related to the Nazi rallies happened in 2005. Not 2006. One also can't help wondering if the real issue was overtime why the Unions would not present facts rather than making this some type of personal vendetta demanding that Frank resign over an issue that has some basic truth to it once you remove the A vs B team bs from it all. Lastly, there is a professionalism aspect to this as far as how this represents our city.

I think Frank could have handled it better initially, but I think Gregg Harris was also very inappropriate and made it clear it was "I" not "we" in most of this. With the new edict from the mayor concerning increased patrolling of both police and using firefighters to patrol before and after school, it's obvious that the City is going to go way over the 3.5 million dollars budgeted. That should be addressed, and that was the whole main point that seems to have been missed in this "War of Words" coverage.

Charity begins at home...or it's supposed to

The above linked Toledo Blade article has started a local firestorm. Not on the proposed cut of $720,000 to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which provides criminal and vehicle records to police and courts in northwest Ohio, not on concern over the possible 5 million dollars in over time costs. What has created this firestorm?

The proposed budget would reinstate a so-called discretionary fund out of which council members could contribute to nonprofit agencies that serve public purposes. Each councilman would be able to distribute $7,500.

The mantra is "Government should not be involved in giving charity". Sure that's a concept I generally believe in but what happens when people don't donate to charity?

What about our region? How do we compare with the rest of the Nation when it comes to charitable giving? From the 2005 Giving USA report as reported by Forbes:

Region 3: East North Central: (Ill., Ind., Mich., Ohio, Wis.) In these Great Lakes States, giving trails compared to national averages, both in average amounts contributed and in percentage of income donated.

Those who rely on needing help from charities can't just magically disappear or wait until people decide to donate. Merely making this $7,500 per council person disappear from the $235.08 million budget isn't going to solve any of the requests for donations. The only way the need for donations will end is if individuals or corporations step up to donate first so that there is no need for worthwhile charties or agencies to request help in the first place. Government shouldn't have to fill this need, so if you are truly against it? Stop placing the government in the position where it feels it has to because we don't.

Here's just one local agency that needs your help...Toledo Seagate Food Bank

One of my favorite quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt is on their sidebar:

The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.

:-)

This just in from the Toledo Free Press

City Councilman Phil Copeland has agreed to particpate in a debate with the candidates for Lucas County Commissioner.

:-)

Blog it, Toledo

This week's column is up, and the Toledo Free Press has several good articles this week. It also has the sad news that Bob Frantz is leaving, which is a good move for him since he's going back to Cleveland but for me since I listened to him probably more at the 6:00 p.m. time slot than I did the morning one...I'm going to miss him, I'm also going to miss calling him and hearing him say "It's Lisa Renee...the Blogger!". I'm glad I called in Friday, I've had a lot of fun with Bob. Speaking of Bob, his column is an interesting one.

Michael Miller's piece this week is about rape of young children, I understand where he's coming from on that one.

There are several online exclusives, one of which is Reflecting on Toledo and Ireland by Patrick Gorman, that I found very interesting and highly recommend.

I also think the Business Spotlight is a great feature and will remind those of you who are going to participate in my Blogger Challenge that you have until Sunday night...

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the Toledo Free Press, where in addition to the cover story about the Toledo Zoo, there are many other articles that you don't want to miss.

When visiting Discourse of a Demiurgic (One of the Blog it, Toledo blogs) tonight I found this "Personal DNA Quiz", and it looked too interesting to resist.

My results:

Animated Inventor

Also don't forget to mark your calendars!

The reasons behind the fire hydrant...

Starting with the latest news on the fire hydrant front:

On February 28, 2006 the Toledo Blade reported:

Mr. Finkbeiner disclosed that he plans to have the city's fire hydrants repainted.

The mayor invited the audience to cheer for their preferred hydrant color between red/yellow and Midnight blue/gold.

He said other colors are being considered for a planned repainting of the city's 10,000 fire hydrants. He said his preference is red.

The last time Mr. Finkbeiner was mayor, his preference was green and white.

Flashback to 1997:

The mayor is big on making Toledo a prettier city. He ordered all fire hydrants painted green and white to blend in with their surroundings. He just unveiled new welcome signs sporting his name and sports team logos. More than 400,000 flowers have been planted across the city in public rights of way during his term in office.

By the time 2001 came around 700,000 flowers were planted and the hydrants received regular fresh coats of paint.

Then of course times changed and as you can see if you look at the bottom of the right sidebar, or click here for a larger image, this hydrant hasn't had a coat of paint in quite some time. Yet it to me defines something that Carty did that despite the initial flack worked. Now to change that to the opposite making these hydrants some gaudy red seems to be in exact opposite of what he wanted when he first decreed the white and green. Even this hydrant while rusty and in need of a nice refresh, it does blend in.

Kind of the symbol of this area to me, we find something that does work after initial resistance and rather than continue to go with it? We don't.

A blogger challenge....

Back in February, Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner is quoted as saying, he'd like to see Toledo shed its image as a "shot-and-a-beer, factory, bowling alley town." Yes, I know I've pointed out this quote before but I couldn't help thinking of it again when I read the title linked article from Toledo Blade about the recent closing of three eclectic dining spots in this area.

There are many reasons given as to why these dining establishments closed, including:

"People are so busy. The art of etiquette has been lost. The art of dressing up and enjoying dinner is [gone]."

There are so many chain restaurants - 'big-box restaurants' - it's not funny."

The big-box restaurant statement really should be looked at. That can be used to demonstrate one basic problem with Toledo. We don't support our own. Small business makes up the largest growth factor in other parts of Ohio as far as employment numbers. Many people criticize Wal-mart yet have no problem eating in big box restaurant or buying paint and home repair items at a big box home improvement store. Look at the grocery store market in Toledo, the days of the independent grocer have almost come to an end. Book stores? How many are locally owned anymore? Pharmacies? How many are locally owned anymore?

If a Lucas County Commissioner or a Mayor really wanted to help our local economy to grow, to me the focus should be on some sort of marketing plan to promote locally owned small businesses. This wouldn't require a huge investment, all it takes is raising public awareness.

So with that in mind I'm issuing a challenge to all of this area's bloggers. Starting Monday, March 20th write about at least one locally owned business that is your favorite, in any category, as long as it is locally owned and operated. I'd prefer we avoid franchises and that you be a consumer rather than an owner for the purposes of this challenge. Either post a link here or on Toledo Talk where I am going to link this as well or email me when you have written this post and I will list all of you who have done this for my March 29th Blog it, Toledo column on the Toledo Free Press website. If I've featured you before? I will still list your blog if you participate. If more than one of you pick the same location to write about? You'll still be included. Here's our chance to show that we can get this started...

Update...I should have included to be able to get this done all links to posts need to be written where listed above by Sunday, March 26th by at least 7:00 p.m. for me to meet my Toledo Free Press deadlines.

:-)

Last I heard Frank Szollosi is a Democrat...

Yes, I am sure all of us know about the A Team verus B Team division in Lucas County. Yet I was visiting this morning to see if Mark Sobczak was added since his name was missed when the update was done to add Taylor Balderas and to change who the Mayor of Toledo was.

I'm going down the list of names which is alphabetical and I come to "S". I noticed Frank Szollosi is not listed. So then I checked the google cache of the page, even when the site had Jack Ford listed as mayor, Frank was not listed. Google cache link as of this morning.

It can't be as a reaction to Frank's letter in the Toledo City Paper in response to Jack Wilson's letter of last week, because this is not something recent it looks like it's been awhile and I am smacking myself for not spotting it earlier. (Full letter will be included in the comments so it will still be available after the next TCP comes out.)

Frank is involved in the Ohio Democratic Party, I do believe he's on the Executive Committee and he is also running for the State Central District 11 spot for Lucas County. It seems a bit petty to not include him as one of the Lucas County Democratic Office Holders. So who made this decision? Did Frank not want to be included or was he not included...Curious bloggers want to know...

pssstttt Lucas County Republicans...Joe Birmingham....you know that guy on Toledo City Council?...

I'm beginning to think you guys like me writing about this....

You could complain...but it is free

Blogspot had a major crash last night. Some blogs have been down since yesterday. Some are fine. My other blog Liberal Common Sense is one of the ones that is down but Glass City (as you can see) was luckily not a part of the bad filer that according to Blogspot "the server will be replaced then shot".

What I have learned though is that some people don't bother to read the help board. They come in and post "HELP" where if they just took one quick look at allllll of the other posts they would see "Gee, it's not just my blog". I've also spotted several different "types" of bloggers.

Relieved - they are happy it's not just them or something they personally messed up.

Addicted - they want it fixed now and the mere idea of not being able to access their blog has them emailing CNN because it's that important.

Angry - they want everyone to know that blogger sucks and are going elsewhere.

Irritated - they are unhappy with the lack of information on the outage but remind everyone that the service is free.

Gloaters - they aren't experiencing the outage and want you to visit their blog, which not to be mean or anything, it's easy to see why some of them don't get many visitors. I saw several blogs last night that were huge pages of personal rants with no paragraph breaks where it seemed the smart thing to do was to quietly back out of the blog rather than comment.

Panic - these are mainly newbies who post HELP without reading the forum and have messed with their blog for hours probably deleting half of it in their panic to "fix" it.

Twisted - They joke around about Blogger selectively picking blogs to create some sort of "Blog Survivor" to see who will still stick it out. (It did get a few laughs.) So did the idea of it being some sort of "Blog Twilight Zone", from another one of the also twisted among us.

Of course some of us are combinations of the above, I don't like it of course, but there's not much I can do about it. I've thought about moving my blogs to their own domain but most of the time blogspot works fine. You do get what you pay for and in this case? It is a free service....and yes, I am irritated yet slightly twisted.

I also have to add I find this error message funny:

If you believe you should be able to view this directory or page, please try to contact the Web site by using any e-mail address or phone number that may be listed on the liberalcommonsense.blogspot.com home page.

Everytime I see it, I think "HELLO, no one can access the page to see if there is an email or phone number, duh...."

:-)

This week's Blog it, Toledo

This week I included some information that will hopefully help some of you who are new to reading blogs as far as knowing the easiest way to find blogs on various topics. Because of course my goal is to get more of you to read blogs and maybe decide to try your hand at having a blog. If you have decided to try blogging, let me know because you could very well be one of the next blogs I write about.

There are some other really good articles featured in the Toledo Free Press this week, including the cover story on the abortion battle in Ohio by Michael Brooks. Scott Calhoun's exclusive online article on the BGSU V UCLA is a recommended read for all sports fans and Alan Cohen's guest column on The Erie Street Market makes some good points. Personally I think the walking path idea has some merit.

I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Lucas County Commissioner's Debate on April 10th, Looking for Mr. Copeland, who still has time to join in.

How many of you have dreamed

Of being able to live in one of the Bartley Lofts? Everytime I visit the Toledo Free Press website and I see the ad...I think about it and sometimes I visit the link, just to dream.

I have a few units I particularly like...702 and 703, which has an awesome loft bedroom. (yes 7 is my favorite number) 603 which also has one of the bedrooms as a loft, 604 and 602. Alas all of my favorites but 604 are no longer for sale but? That doesn't stop a dream.

:-)

YEAH! Lucas County Democrats update website

Carty is finally listed as the Mayor, Taylor Balderas is listed, the only one missing is from what I can see is Mark Sobczak.

Now, if that could be fixed and if the Republicans ever update?

Happy Days...

Thank you to whoever listened to my kvetching about it to fix this.

:-)

New Lucas County Republican Club...

Fallen Timbers Republican Club has been formed and their first meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2006. From their nicely done website:

The Fallen Timbers Republican Club is currently forming in the Waterville, Monclova and Providence Wards District of Lucas County. While there may be a substantial number of registered Republicans residing in our area, more noteworthy things can be accomplished working together than as individuals. We need to pull together with the aim of better governance in our villages, townships, county and state. Join the club for congenial fellowship and accomplish something in advancing conservative ideals that benefit our families and communities.

If you are interested or want more information it's available at:

www.h2oville.com/gop

Puerto Ricans, in my opinion rock...

I openly admit being married to a Puerto Rican, I am biased. In reading today's La Prensa, I came across the above linked article that is about HR 4437. Cleveland City Council stepped forward to create a resolution against this bill:

The Cleveland City Council action was co-introduced by Councilman Joe Santiago of Ward 14. The resolution was introduced as an emergency measure. Here’s what Santiago told La Prensa about his motivation for stepping up to the plate and taking action.

Santiago, along with his assistant Sr. Alicia Alvarado, OP, said the bill is unconstitutional and is a huge blow to the freedom of all U.S.-Americans. “All of us come from immigrant families and we cannot forget the hardships that our families encountered in the past. This House Bill would make criminals of many of us living in the United States today.”

“I am of Puerto Rican descent and do not have to be concerned about immigration problems, but I support my Latino brothers and sisters,” added Santiago.

Then Santiago drew a frightening parallel between HR 4437 and Nazi Germany when he said, “This can be compared to what Hitler did to the Jewish population sixty years ago and cannot be tolerated in Ohio and any other state in this great nation. We must work together to find solutions to making immigrants legal citizens so that they can continue to work and provide for their families.”

Santiago’s words and those of the Cleveland Council Resolution can be expected to carry weight with Sen. Voinovich, a former mayor of multicultural Cleveland, and who, historically, has been sensitive to the needs of immigrants.

Supposedly Ted Strickland is now stating he regrets voting for this bill...I'm not sure I totally agree with the Hitler comparison and I do agree that something needs to be done about illegal immigration. There are too many problems with HR 4437 though, and it doesn't deal directly with the real problems which are why people hire illegal immigrants in the first place and how that can be addressed not just for the sake of those who want to come here? But for everyone.

Jack Wilson takes on Johnny Hildo

The downside to the format of the Toledo City Paper is they don't have a way to archive letters. So I'll post the letter in full in the comments rather than take up front page space so it will be "preserved".

Part of Jack's letter to the editor:

It is interesting that your paper's commentator on "City Politics" and the Democratic Party, Johnny Hildo, is not a registered Democrat; nor even a registered voter in Lucas County. His writing style — disingenuous, facts skewed, morally fraudulent — is similar to the Blade's former political writer, Fritz the Weasel.

Johnny doesn't seem to be in the mood to retract, pointing out spelling errors in Jack's letter. (I gotta admit Jack spelling McCloskey's name wrong was probably too hard for Johnny to resist.) Then Hildo drops this bombshell, which I can't verify. The Lucas County Dem site google cache doesn't show it and they use a robot script that some websites use so that it can't be archived by one of the various "way back machine" type services out there.

Little white lies by Johnny Hildo

According to the Toledo Blade (3/1/06), Bob McCloskey has begun shaking down local businessmen to help pay for his legal defense against charges that he shook down local businessmen for City Council votes. He is also "considering" a legal defense fund-raiser. "I probably will do something," McCloskey was quoted. "We haven’t discussed it yet. My attorney’s putting it together."Surprisingly, the following was posted on the calendar on the Dem Web site that same day: "March 24 Bob McCloskey Defense Fund Fundraiser, The Chop House, Maumee, 7 p.m. Contact: Bob McCloskey: (419) 691-8292"We guess McCloskey hasn’t discussed this fund-raiser with himself. Perhaps he finally did, because the posting has now disappeared from the calendar.

There's been some speculation as to who "Johnny Hildo" is, I don't think it's Fritz, but after this column? I am starting to have some good ideas as to who our mystery writer is, more of course when I have something solid.

:-)

UPDATE 3/14: McCloskey's defense fund fundraider on March 24 at the Chop House in Maumee postponed because of questions concerning state ethics laws.

Questions Concerning Phil Copeland

After reading the above linked Toledo Blade article I started to wonder, especially about this portion of the article:

Local 500 paid Mr. Thomas and Mr. Copeland higher salaries than any other union officers in Toledo in 2004, according federal filings.

Mr. Thomas' salary, set by a membership vote, was $130,638 in 2004. Mr. Copeland's was $113,675, a 69 percent increase from 2000.

(Copeland) He said he did not take member-approved raises when "work was down" from November, 2002, to July, 2004, and instead took the money as a lump sum at the end of 2005 - a move Mr. Allotta said he explained to federal investigators when they questioned the payment to Mr. Copeland.

Then I remembered reading in the Blade information on Phil Copeland's tax return's being released to the Blade. So using the wonderful services available thru the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's news archive database:

On October 27, 2005 Author: TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER

City Council candidates also were asked for their tax returns for the years 2002, 2003, and 2004. Mr. Copeland provided all three years, and Mr. McCloskey provided his returns for 2002 and 2004. Mr. Copeland's return for 2004 shows adjusted gross income of $113,823, primarily his salary as secretary-treasurer of Laborers Local 500. He had an Internal Revenue Service tax bill of $19,919. His returns showed adjusted gross income of $92,156 in 2003 and $90,754 in 2002.

Given that, I don't see how Phil Copeland's statement that he took a reduction in salary until July of 2004 can be true. It's possible it was done in 2002 and 2003, but questions really come to mind for 2004. Not having seen the detailed information, all I can do is speculate. Since the Blade has it, it would have been nice if they would have answered that, perhaps they will. It would also be nice of one of our local media sources would make the same demand of this information from all of the Lucas County Commissioner Candidates. It would easily answer this question, since if there was a lump sum salary payment made in 2005 it would be reflected as to the amount on his 2005 Income Tax Return.

Then the credit card questions with the union, according to todays article:

Mr. Copeland, (has) a union-provided Cadillac DeVille. Both of their expense accounts, which include gasoline purchases, exceeded $30,000 in 2004.

Does Phil Copeland have and use one of these Union Credit cards? The article today implies it but that would be contradictory to what Phil Copeland said in the October 14, 2005 Author: VANESSA WINANS BLADE STAFF WRITER that was about candidates credit scores when it was discovered Phil didn't have enough of a credit history to have a rating:

"I haven't tried getting anything since I got the liens," said Mr. Copeland, who explained that he maintains a checking account and pays for everything with cash.

Hopefully if these questions aren't answered I'll get the opportunity to ask them before the primary.

UPDDATE 3/13/06: Toledo Blade confirms there was a lump sum payment made of the deferred salary. So the only question that remains is the credit card use statement.

Bob Frantz has a full hour tonight....

"Judy" a caller on WSPD has stated from her observation that Jon Stainbrook treats women "horribly". Bob Frantz pointed out that Jon worked actively for the Kerry campaign. Dennis Lange, the interim chair of the Lucas County GOP, stated he did receive Jon's resume today. (Jon was also on channel 11 announcing he wanted the Lucas County Chair position, he was also in the Toledo Blade, about a week ago.)

Don't look for any changes to happen until this summer, Dennis stated they would probably not fill the chair position until they finish their reorganization process. Dennis also stated that there could be a change where the chair position is a paid position rather than the current volunteer one. He also confirmed when asked that he is interested in the position if changes were to be made, the implication being he'd be interested if it was a paid position.

Bob then moved on to the Toledo Public School decision to extend to the High Schools the Uniform code, promoted as a "Dress Code", (ick) so there was not alot more discussion as to the Lucas County Republican Party. It would have been great to have been able to ask Dennis about their website and when Joe Birmingham (yes Dennis it's Joe not John) might finally be listed as being a Toledo City Councilperson.

Toledo Talk has a pretty good discussion thread going on about the Dress Code aspect.

Ben Konop is also supposed to be on air with Bob, that should be interesting. I'm on hold so we'll see if I get a chance to get on the air to ask my question. Which I did, I wanted to ask about the ethics pledge but he covered that so? I asked him to highlight some points of his Cool County iniative since creating more jobs that keep my college age bunch here after graduation? I'm all ears.

:-)

Blog it, Toledo!

Seems hard to believe but it's the 5th week for Blog it, Toledo! I've enjoyed every moment so far and am looking forward to sharing even more blogs in the future. After you get a chance to visit this week's featured blogs, I'd suggest a few other articles from Toledo Free Press.

I always enjoy reading Michael Miller's opinion pieces, this week was no exception.

One of the online exclusive articles this week is by Michele Howe, it's titled "Sapient Life Markers for Forward Thinking Women". I highly recommend this article, and as a woman who is about to turn 46 this month, it made me realize some of what I was feeling was not only normal but contains some excellent advice.

I'd also direct your attention to Matt Sussman's first column in the Toledo Free Press. For those of you who are local bloggers or readers of the blog, you'll recognize Matt's name because he is the man behind the Futon Report.

:-)

Lucas County Commissioner Debate April 10th

Toledo Free Press will sponsor a political debate on April 10 between four of the five candidates on the May primary ballot for Lucas County Commissioner, one Democrat and one Republican will move forward to face off in the November General Election. The debate runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the McMaster Center in the Downtown branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. Free parking is available. More information is in the article linked above.

Media partners in the debate are WSPD-1370 AM and FOX Toledo 36, WSPD will be carrying the debate live and I'll be there live blogging the debate as well as posting quotes and impressions after the debate has concluded.

Lucas County Endorsed Candidates for Primary

Taylor Balderas - Toledo City Council, District 3
Honorable James Bates - Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, General Div.
Honorable Gary Cook - Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, General Div.
Honorable Charles Doneghy - Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, General Div.
Honorable Thomas Osowik - Sixth District Court of Appeals
Honorable James Ray - Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Div.
Honorable Marcy Kaptur - 9th Congressional District
Honorable Teresa Fedor - State Senate District 1
Honorable Edna Brown - House District 48
Matt Szollosi, esq. - House District 49
Honorable Peter Ujvagi - House District 47
Anita Lopez, esq. - Lucas County Auditor
Honorable Carty Finkbeiner - State Central Committee District 11
Honorable Jeannine Perry - State Central Committee District 11
Margaret Murray, esq. - State Central Committee District 2
Dr. James Patrick - State Central Committee District 2

Which means no endorsement in the Lucas County Commissioner Race and Jack Ford of Toledo, Kollin Rice of Oregon, and Frank Szollosi of Toledo were not chosen to be endorsed for the State Central Committee District 11 seat.

I'd also point out the Lucas County Dem party could update to list who was endorsed but still have not bothered to correct their Office Holders page as one example:

Jack Ford - Mayor of the City of Toledo

Lucas County Republican website still has not been updated either.

At first glance, this is not supportive of small business

Last week's edition of the Toledo Free Press had an article written by Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner. He has agreed to be a regular contributer, and I admit I liked alot of what he stated in this first article. Especially this:

Furthermore, we must provide for the businesses in Toledo, and those looking to move to the City, a community that is safe, clean and green. Getting citizens involved in their respective neighborhoods, making City Hall more "user-friendly" and increasing the number of police we have on the streets will help meet this goal.

Toledo must also work to become a more business-friendly city. More specifically, we must focus on one of our greatest assets, small businesses. It is important for us to let small business owners and entrepreneurs know they are one of this city's most important resources. As far as the City is concerned, we will lend them a hand when we can, one that will help owners navigate through government bureaucracy, and we will be their advocate with the area banks. I met this day on the subject of ease of obtaining plans and permits from City Hall.

However, when I read Toledo Blade article that states tenants of a portion of the Erie Street Market were given two weeks notice to vacate, I started to wonder how this helps small businesses.

I realize this is for a renovation project, yet you would think there could be some manner of doing the renovation that allowed those who were there to remain. It's realistically no different than what is happening at Westgate.

All the vendors that were given notices will have to submit business plans that will be reviewed by the CitiFest committee, and all rent structures will have to be renegotiated, said Mr. Boyer. He added that the city's economic development team and the mayor have all been intensely involved in the process, especially since the city will also be providing some funds.

Thanks for your support in having a store here but we think we can do better now so...shooo...and if we decide you can stay? You'll pay more...

If this is how things are made easier for small businesses in Toledo? Someone might need to rethink what the word "easier" means.

Louis Escobar in the Toledo City Paper

If you have not read this week's cover story for the Toledo City Paper, it's worth checking out. Some of the things Louis says in this interview I believe are important to point out from this interview done by Jason Webber:

After I completed my first term, I was not happy about the way elected people conducted business. I kept using the phrase, ‘I feel like I’m in 5th grade again.’ There were veiled threats, people trying to buy you, thinking that you had a price. It just didn’t feel like we were working together for the best interests of the people of our city. Then the makeup of the Council changed. Some of the people who came to council, it seemed to me, didn’t really want to work together … concerned about their own success or their own district … not looking at their district as part of the whole city. When I became president, I wanted to fix city council. As president, I maintained a meeting with all the council members one on one at least two or three times throughout the year. But then … there began to be a little more of a breakdown. They said, "if I want to meet with you, I’ll call you." And then the change that was going on in the Democratic party—when the A-team formed their pact, I was never invited to be a part of that. And the B-team didn’t want me either, apparently. That was that whole issue when we appointed Phil Copeland — the people who are now in charge of the headquarters never once called me or any of my colleagues and said ‘Lets sit down and talk about who we want to replace Mr. Gerken." They had some meetings among themselves and at the last minute, they sent us a letter saying, ‘You will do this.’ That’s not democracy — that’s dictatorship. There’s no dialogue. I have said over and over again that there should be dialogue. There are people now who are in leadership of the party that I don’t want to be associated with — ethically and morally. I believe I could have won reelection for my third term, but I chose not to because I don’t want to interact with those people.

In the beginning, when (McCloskey) heard that I received the party nomination, I was told that he made some disparaging remarks about my sexual orientation. Lucy Weaver, a member of the Latino community, had arranged for a meeting at the Latino Club between Bob McCloskey and myself so that Bob could confront me on whatever questions he had. Supposedly, he agreed to just remain silent. But he never supported anything that I proposed. Even the Human Rights Ordinance that was passed—he intentionally walked out of the chamber when the vote came so he was not there for the vote. Any issue that I have championed or supported … I can’t think of any time where he’s supported it. Bob never really tried to get to know me or what I stood for or what I believed in.

There's alot more at the title link, but I do believe some of these points made are valid. Toledo needs to learn to work together better, we need to either stop commissioning study after study or at least start paying attention to some of the ones done in the past and actually start moving forward. Action can be taken, if people put their personal differences aside and start acting rather than just talking.

Tim Wagener's website

Thanks to the Toledo Blade's article I discovered Tim's website. First what I noticed immediately it was done by the same person that designed Carty's website and is similar except for it being red. I'm happy he has a website so I'm not going to critique that cept to say...it's very red...

What should be noticed is who Tim has as his Campaign Chairs:

Mayor Marge Brown, Oregon
Mayor Stan Wielinski, Whitehouse
Mayor Chuck Peyton, Waterville
Trustee Gary Kuns, Monclova Township

His achievement page is well done and includes mention of the Maumee Theatre (which was and still is a favorite place of mine).

His endorsement page contains alot of endorsements, all of those listed are from outside of the City of Toledo. So it appears Tim is building on the concept that he is a candidate for the rest of Lucas County at this point.

I haven't talked with him or anyone from his campaign but, I wanted to include this as I will the other candidates for office as I discover they are on the web. Tim's website is also listed on the sidebar for future reference.

Blog it, Toledo

The fourth Blog it, Toledo is up on the Toledo Free Press website. This has been a very exciting and enjoyable adventure for me and hopefully for you as well. What is even more awesome is the way that the Exclusive Online content has continued to grow each week. This week especially there are some really good articles that you will only find online. Then add to that the other articles in print and online?

Have to say I'm proud to be even a small part of the Toledo Free Press.

:-)